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Proverbs 11:13–14

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11:13The one who goes about slandering others36 reveals37 secrets,

but the one who is trustworthy38 conceals a matter.

11:14When there is no guidance39 a nation falls,

but there is success40 in the abundance of counselors.

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Footnotes

  1. 36 Heb “going about in slander.” This expression refers to a slanderer. The noun means “slander” and so “tale-bearer” (so , , ), “informer.” The related verb (רָכַל, rakhal) means “to go about” from one person to another, either for trade or for gossip.
  2. 37 The participle מְגַלֶּה (mégaleh) means “uncovering” or “revealing” secrets. This is the intent of a person who makes disparaging comments about others—he cannot wait to share secrets that should be kept.
  3. 38 Heb “faithful of spirit.” This phrase describes the inner nature of the person as faithful and trustworthy. This individual will not rush out to tell whatever information he has heard, but will conceal it.
  4. 39 The word תַּחְבֻּלוֹת (takhvulot, “guidance; direction”) is derived from the root I חָבַל (khaval, “rope-pulling” and “steering” or “directing” a ship; 286 ). Thus spiritual guidance is like steering a ship, here the ship of state (R. N. Whybray, Proverbs [], 68; Prov 1:5). Advice is necessary for the success of a nation.
  5. 40 Heb “victory.” This term תְּשׁוּעָה (teshu’ah) means “salvation” or “victory” ( 448 ); cf. , “security”; , “safety.” Here, it connotes “success” as the antithesis of the nation falling. The setting could be one of battle or economics. Victory or success will be more likely with good advice. This assumes that the counselors are wise.

The NET Bible First Edition, Copyright 1996-2005 by Biblical Studies Press

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Copyright 2001 Crossway Bibles

NIVNew International Version (2011)

A gossip betrays a confidence,

but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

For lack of guidance a nation falls,

but victory is won through many advisers.

Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Biblica, Inc.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

A gossip goes around revealing a secret,

but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Without guidance, a people will fall,

but with many counselors there is deliverance.

Copyright 2017 Holman Bible Publishers

NLTNew Living Translation

A gossip goes around telling secrets,

but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Without wise leadership, a nation falls;

there is safety in having many advisers.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

A gossip walks about telling a secret,

but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.

Where there is no guidance, a nation shall fall,

but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.

Copyright 2012 Lexham Press

KJV 1900King James Version

A talebearer revealeth secrets:

But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Where no counsel is, the people fall:

But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.

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